GUWAHATI: The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF 2026), underway from June 15 to 21, has turned the spotlight on the rich cultural and social landscape of Northeast India through a specially curated section featuring short fiction and documentary films from the region.
The dedicated showcase brings together films made in a range of indigenous and regional languages, including Khasi, Nagamese, Ao, Kokborok, Kaubru, Bhutia, Assamese, Manipuri and Mizo. Through stories rooted in local traditions, histories, communities and environmental realities, the selection offers audiences an intimate look at the diverse identities that shape the Northeast.
Among the featured films is Ka Pateng, a 30-minute Khasi-language short fiction film directed by Sankirang L. Khongwir and produced by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). The film represents contemporary storytelling from Meghalaya and reflects the region’s unique cultural ethos.
The documentary Lentina Ao – A Light on the Eastern Horizon, directed by Sanjib Parasar and Nilakshi Medhi, chronicles the life and work of renowned social worker Lentina Ao, whose efforts contributed significantly to the welfare and upliftment of Naga communities. Produced by NFDC, the film is presented in English, Nagamese and Ao.
Tripura’s indigenous heritage finds representation through My Last Face: Flat-Nose (My Last Face: Kungbara), a documentary directed by Sujit Debbarma and Pranab Jyoti Deka. The film explores the cultural traditions of the Reang community through its distinctive attire and ornaments, highlighting efforts to preserve indigenous identity amid changing times.
Sikkim’s cultural and historical legacy is the focus of Shangrila – The Hidden Paradise, a 90-minute Bhutia-language documentary directed by Samten Bhutia. While the Himalayan state is widely known for its scenic beauty, the film delves deeper into its lesser-known history, culture and geography.
Assam is represented by Teens of 1942 (Biyallisar Larali), a documentary directed by Samiran Deka. Produced as a tribute to 75 years of India’s Independence, the film recounts the stories of teenage freedom fighters Bholanath Nagaria and Radha Bora, bringing attention to their role in India’s struggle for freedom and preserving their legacy for future generations.
Another notable inclusion is The Healing Priest (Puithiam), a Mizo-language short fiction film directed by Napoleon RZ Thanga. The film explores themes of tradition, belief systems and modern-day anxieties through a concise yet thought-provoking narrative.
Wildlife conservation and ecological awareness form the core of Manipur Brow Antlered Deer (Sangai), directed by Akanksha Sood Singh. The bilingual documentary traces the story of the endangered Sangai deer, a species found only in Manipur and regarded as a symbol of the state.
The Northeast-focused section at MIFF 2026 highlights the region’s growing presence in Indian cinema and provides a national platform for filmmakers to showcase stories deeply rooted in local cultures and lived experiences. By bringing together narratives of heritage, resilience, social change and environmental conservation, the festival offers audiences a broader understanding of the Northeast’s cultural diversity and contemporary realities.
